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Cult hero Jacques Potgieter has produced a heartfelt letter to NSW Waratahs fans to confirm he will leave the Super Rugby champions at the end of season.
Potgieter will return home to South Africa and link with the Durban-based Sharks.
The destructive forward has been integral to the Waratahs’ transformation from perennial under-achievers to titleholders, with coach Michael Cheika only last week hailing the 29-year-old as his side’s best performer since his arrival at the start of 2104.
“To all my supporters and friends, I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude for each and every supporter, coach and manager,” Potgieter posted on Instagram on Thursday.
“You have shaped me and helped me grow to be the person and player that I am today.”
Potgieter was fined $20,000 by the Australian Rugby Union – half of which was suspended – in March for making homophobic slurs against Brumbies players in a heated conference derby in Sydney.
But he was widely commended for the manner in which he accepted responsibility for the slurs, stepping forward to avoid the Waratahs and ARU from triggering a witch hunt.
Potgieter also visited a Sydney Convicts training session the following day to apologise to Australia’s only gay rugby club.
“You have accepted me with open arms. The Tahs and Australia felt like my second home,” Potgieter wrote.
With marquee imports only permitted two seasons at a Super Rugby club, the Waratahs would have required a special exemption to have the former Springbok stay on had he not opted to return home.
“I have decided to sign with the Sharks to go back to my family in South Africa,” he wrote.
“The Sharks has a very special place in my heart, I started my rugby career with them and it is such an honor (sic) and a blessing to have the opportunity to join them again and finish what I started in 2005.”
“I will continue to give the Tahs my all, if not more than what I’ve already given.
“I’ve had some of my best moments with the Tahs and will forever be thankful to have been a part of this incredible group of people!
“From the bottom of my heart THANK YOU …. now let’s go get them #blueblood.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.